*Former Prime Minister Succès Masra, a vocal critic of the ruling government, has been apprehended following violent clashes that resulted in over 42 deaths. His party claims his arrest was unlawful, amidst rising tensions and disputes over recent elections.*
**Chad’s Opposition Leader Arrested Amid Violence and Controversy**
**Chad’s Opposition Leader Arrested Amid Violence and Controversy**
*Succès Masra faces accusations linked to deadly clashes in Mandakao, highlighting ongoing political tensions in Chad.*
In an escalating climate of political tension in Chad, former Prime Minister Succès Masra and opposition leader has been arrested in connection to recent violent clashes that took place in the southwestern region of the country. The clashes in Mandakao village, which occurred on Wednesday, led to the tragic loss of at least 42 lives. The public prosecutor, Oumar Mahamat Kedelaye, has stated that Masra is suspected of inciting violence through social media messages that allegedly called for arms against fellow citizens.
Masra's political party, Transformers, has reacted strongly to his detention, labeling it a "kidnapping" by military forces and claiming that the arrest was executed without following legal procedures. This controversial figure is known for his staunch opposition to President Mahamat Déby, having publicly contested the integrity of the election that took place last year, in which he claims he was unjustly defeated after winning a significant portion of the vote according to his assertions.
The violent incidents that unfolded were reportedly related to a land dispute between local farmers of the Ngambaye community and Fulani herdsmen. Tensions have escalated in recent months regarding land usage, with farmers accusing herders of encroaching on their territory. In connection to the violence, more than 80 individuals have also been apprehended.
Succès Masra briefly served as interim prime minister for the transitional government before his tenure ended in mid-2024. His party chose to boycott the legislative elections held last December, citing concerns about the electoral process's transparency. The Déby family has maintained a grip on power in Chad for over 30 years, following the military’s rise to power after the death of former leader Idriss Déby Itno in 2021 due to rebel conflict. As the situation in Chad continues to unfold, both local and international observers are closely monitoring the implications of this arrest on the nation’s already fragile political landscape.
Masra's political party, Transformers, has reacted strongly to his detention, labeling it a "kidnapping" by military forces and claiming that the arrest was executed without following legal procedures. This controversial figure is known for his staunch opposition to President Mahamat Déby, having publicly contested the integrity of the election that took place last year, in which he claims he was unjustly defeated after winning a significant portion of the vote according to his assertions.
The violent incidents that unfolded were reportedly related to a land dispute between local farmers of the Ngambaye community and Fulani herdsmen. Tensions have escalated in recent months regarding land usage, with farmers accusing herders of encroaching on their territory. In connection to the violence, more than 80 individuals have also been apprehended.
Succès Masra briefly served as interim prime minister for the transitional government before his tenure ended in mid-2024. His party chose to boycott the legislative elections held last December, citing concerns about the electoral process's transparency. The Déby family has maintained a grip on power in Chad for over 30 years, following the military’s rise to power after the death of former leader Idriss Déby Itno in 2021 due to rebel conflict. As the situation in Chad continues to unfold, both local and international observers are closely monitoring the implications of this arrest on the nation’s already fragile political landscape.
